And sure, we all know that when you're hurt, talking about it is supposed to be what makes you feel better, and I don't argue that it doesn't. It is always comforting to be reassured that you are not the only person facing struggles like yours. It's comforting to know that others have survived the times you aren't sure you can. However, I would argue that poetry always does it better. Receiving someone's story always feels more real when you can connect with how carefully each word is chosen, each one representing a different heartache. It's the difference between handing over a brown paper sack and handing over a methodically wrapped gift where the paper and bow were chosen specifically with your needs in mind. And that's not to say that the brown paper sack doesn't have beauty in its own right. Sometimes the choice of a brown paper sack is just as intentional as brightly colored bows and printed paper. It's a matter of deliberateness.
I admitted once to a friend that when I have a particularly bad day, I go home, sit in front of my laptop, and play as much spoken word poetry as I can until my shirt is soaked with tears.
I remember when I had my first real break up (Which I realize was fairly recently when I stop to think about it) I did nothing but listen to poetry for days. Even as I was making the decision to leave my ex, I listened, allowing it to cheer me on towards the inevitable.
One of my favorite poets to listen to at the time, and still so today, was Sarah Kay. I wanted to share just two over her poems with you tonight in the hopes that someone in need of a little healing might come across them and find the comfort that I always do.
Sarah Kay's "The Type"
Sarah Kay & Phil Kaye's "When Love Arrives"